Something energising about the roar of big bikes

KUCHING: What makes a group of big bikers turn heads when we see them riding casually on the road?

Honestly, who are these people?

The second Sarawak International Bike Gathering (SIBG 2025) brought together more than 300 motorcycle lovers from all across Sarawak, as well as from Indonesia, Brunei and even India.

The event took place at Mydin Vista Tunku in Petra Jaya here on May 10-11.

“Big bike gatherings never disappoint. From start to finish, the vibe is always full of energy,” said Wan Ismail, better known as Abang Otai among fellow riders.

Abang Otai has been riding almost his whole life, and for him, it is more than just a hobby; it is a way of life.

He told Sarawak Tribune that even when he was still working many years ago, he always made time to ride with his friends.

Together, they formed a club called Bikers Kental Kuching.

Now in his 60s, his presence gives out a much younger vibe than his age. His energy is impressive.

Another local rider from Bintangor also shared his experience.

Azar, aged 32, is a member of Meradong Motorsports.

He said that events like this give bikers a space to come together and build stronger connections.

“It has been an amazing experience riding with people who share the same passion. If there’s trouble on the road, just call a friend and someone will come to help,” he said.

Speaking about the challenges they faced, Azar recalled their ride to Sabah.

It took about 20 hours and poor road conditions made it tough.

“On the way to Sabah, we came across a pothole bigger than the bike,” he said.

While some challenges are physical, others are more unusual.

Milla, fondly known as Mami Milla, recalled a spooky experience during the Sibu Bike Week.

“My scariest moment was being disturbed by something unknown on the way to Sibu,” she said.

“I could feel that something was following me because my bike suddenly felt heavy,” she added.

The adventurous 59-year-old is the founder of the first all-women’s bike club in Miri, called Casado Ladies Bikers, formed in 2006.

One time, she came down to Kota Samarahan on her own for an event over there as a solo rider.

As to what keeps her going, she said it is all about passion and the support she gets from her loved ones.

“What keeps me riding is my love for it, but the biggest support comes from my family, and most of them are riders too,” said Mami Milla.

She also gave advice to younger riders to be careful and not take things lightly.

“Don’t ride carelessly. Some young riders act like nothing bad can happen. They forget how dangerous it can be,” she said.

Speaking of young riders, 22-year-old Adib rated the event in Mydin eight out of ten.

He said bike gatherings are always full of life.

“Bike events are always exciting. That’s what makes them different,” he said.

Adib rode all the way from Brunei to Kuching just to join the event.

“It took me about 10 hours to get here, but it was a fun journey,” he said.

This is not only his first bike gathering in Kuching but also his first visit to the city.

He said one of the challenges he faced during the ride had to do with fuellin up as Malaysia has a rule that only locals can buy RON95 petrol.

Thus, this might also be an issue for bikers from Indonesia.

Wahyu, a 36-year-old rider from Byson Rider Independent Pontianak, said that this was his first time in Kuching.

Remarkably, the ride took only around six hours.

“I really like it here in Kuching. The people are friendly, polite and welcoming,” he said.

He has been riding since 2010 and sees every challenge as part of the fun.

Wahyu said they ride Yamaha Byson bikes, which are no longer sold in Malaysia.

“If you see someone riding a Yamaha Byson here, they are likely not from Malaysia,” he said.

Another rider said this event was more than just about bikes. It was a chance to meet people from across Southeast Asia.

“It’s one thing to see different types of bikes, but meeting people and learning their culture is something else,” said Ahmad Fauzi, a member of Expandables Malaysia from Selangor.

Interestingly, the passionate 53-year-old rider didn’t bring his bike to Kuching. He flew in and rented a bike just for the event.

Ahmad explained that in Selangor, his group is known for riding cruiser bikes, often called “motor kangkang”.

This nickname comes from the way riders sit with their legs spread out, which gives a relaxed posture.

All said, the bike gathering was a beautiful moment shared by a spirited community of friends.